What It Felt Like to Have a Proactive Girlfriend

Urged on by the sous chef, the chefs finally stopped paying attention to Vincent's cooking.

They would only glance at it curiously when they had a spare moment, while JP, standing nearby, was thoroughly enjoying the view.

After patting the cod dry and marinating it with salt, pepper, and chili powder, Vincent quickly made a few cuts on the surface of a thick sirloin steak with a knife.

He took out a new frying pan, added black pepper sauce, yellow mustard, syrup, and butter, and brought it to a boil.

Stir gently with a spoon a few times, and the savory and spicy sauce is ready.

After checking the cod's marinating condition, he took out a new frying pan.

After the butter melted, he placed the entire thick sirloin on top.

JP nodded secretly.

The cuts I made on the surface of the sirloin just now not only cut through the slightly tough tendons, but also allowed the heat to penetrate the meat more quickly.

The sauce is quite unique, but it's probably not meant for steak.

Sure enough, Vincent placed the marinated cod skin-side down into a new skillet with melted butter.

After frying for about 3 minutes, he flipped the thick sirloin on the side and added the sauce to the pan with the cod.

Fish meat is particularly susceptible to damage from stewing. Pan-frying before boiling makes it firmer and prevents the fish from falling apart during the stewing process.

Meanwhile, Vincent didn't sit idle while waiting, just like before.

He first blanched the chopped asparagus, then lightly fried the halved potatoes.

The thick sirloin was flipped over again, and the cod on the other side was ready too.

Place the whole fish on a plate lined with asparagus, and sprinkle a little sesame on top.

Once the thick sirloin has been pan-fried on all six sides, the cod has cooled to a temperature suitable for eating.

Vincent placed the steak on a plate with fried potatoes, then sprinkled it evenly with salt and pepper, and finally arranged the two appetizers and two main courses on a tray.

"JP, I don't know how to make desserts, could you please arrange one for me?"

"No problem."

Vincent untied his apron, picked up the tray, and walked out of the kitchen.

JP glanced at his watch and realized that he had only been there for 15 minutes from the time he came in to the time he left.

Four dishes in 15 minutes – the presentation alone speaks volumes about the skill in cooking. And the entire process was almost nonstop, not to mention the breathtakingly exquisite knife skills. Just watching it was a truly exhilarating cooking experience.

As for the taste, it probably won't be too bad.

Second floor of the restaurant

Accompanied by a magnificent melody that blends strength and gentleness, Vincent slowly walked towards Hermione by the table, carrying a tray.

The pianist and violinist are still playing the climax of the famous tango, Poruna Scent of a Woman.

Hermione's eyes welled up with tears, and she covered her mouth with her hand. "Did you cook this yourself?"

"Yes." Vincent placed two appetizers and two main courses on the table. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Hermione lowered her small hand and gently shook her head at him.

Vincent gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips. "You've tasted my cooking before, why are you so touched?"

Hermione's lips curved slightly upward, her face beaming with happiness. "This is different, completely different."

Girls pay a lot of attention to occasions and rituals; simply filling one's stomach can't compare to a formal dinner.

Vincent sat down. "Eat it while it's hot, it'll get cold soon."

Hermione picked up a spoon and took a sip of the cream of mushroom soup.

The taste was ordinary, but she thought it was especially delicious.

She switched to a fork and took a bite of the salad.

The taste was just average, but it just tasted really good.

Vincent smiled and picked up his knife and fork to cut into the thick sirloin steak.

The inside is a tender pink color, which is a perfect medium-rare (half-cooked).

He cut off a small piece and handed it to Hermione with a fork.

The taste was still very ordinary, but she just thought it was especially delicious.

Vincent off a small piece of cod and handed it to her with a fork, just like he did.

It has a rather spicy flavor, but it's still incredibly delicious.

Hermione also used her fork to pick up a piece of steak and held it to his mouth, saying, "Don't just focus on me, you should eat more too."

The pianist and violinist exchanged a smile at their intimate gesture.

After a soaring turn, the music gradually becomes lighter and more cheerful.

LoveStoryTheme is the theme song from the classic 1970s United States film "Love Story".

Vincent and Hermione enjoyed their dinner to the harmonious strains of the piano and violin.

Just as the two finished their last sip of cream of mushroom soup, JP came upstairs with dessert.

One crème brûlée, one soufflé.

JP cleared away the empty plates and then gently placed two delicate desserts on the table.

"Please enjoy your meal, both of you."

Hermione habitually scooped up a spoonful of pudding and held it to Vincent's lips.

It's incredibly sweet, even sweeter than the Pavlova Cake Chef Ramsey made last time.

Vincent also scooped up a spoonful of soufflé and held it to her lips.

The two desserts disappeared little by little as they fed each other.

Dinner ended, and it was 8 p. m.

After the two went downstairs, paid the bill, said goodbye to JP, and left the restaurant.

With a roar of its engine, the sapphire blue Bugatti drove onto the highway leading to Manchester.

Hermione, in the passenger seat, quietly watched Vincent's profile as he focused on driving.

She would blush and shyly look away from time to time, but would quickly look back at him.

Feeling puzzled Vincent casually asked, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

Hermione shook her head. "I just think you look especially beautiful today."

Vincent glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. "Isn't it the same as usual?"

She curled the corners of her mouth slightly. "Completely different, okay."

Vincent paused for a moment, then quickly understood.

It was just a relatively formal dinner that I cooked myself, and the taste wasn't even as good as that of a small restaurant on the street.

Girls are actually easy to please, but being too easily pleased can lead to them not being appreciated.

He felt a warmth in his heart, "You look especially beautiful today."

Hermione met his deep blue eyes shyly. "Thank you."

"I mean it," Vincent, taking her hand. "You look absolutely stunning today."

Her little face instantly turned rosy, but her gaze never left his eyes.

"You... you should concentrate on driving."

Vincent held her small, struggling hand tightly. "Fine, but you're not allowed to move."

Shyly, Hermione grasped his large hand in return and softly hummed in agreement.

Manchester is neither too far nor too close to London.

After an hour's drive, the royal blue Bugatti was parked outside Granger family.

Hermione reluctantly let go of Vincent walk around to the passenger side and open the car door for her.

He is very considerate and attentive.

She got out of the car with his arm around her, and as soon as she stood up, she suddenly reached out her hands, stood on tiptoe, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Vincent was a little confused, then felt a soft touch on his lips.

Her kiss was light and quick; she merely touched his lips to her own.

"I... I'm going back now..." She hurriedly ran to her front door.

Perhaps she was too nervous, because it took her a long time to pull out her keys from her handbag.

Vincent stood quietly, watching her stumble as she inserted the key into the lock, trying several times before finally opening the door and quickly slipping inside.

She's getting bolder and bolder; she even dared to give away her first kiss.

He chuckled to himself and got back into the car.

Before starting the car, the smile on his face warmed up.

Actually, having a proactive girlfriend is quite nice; it means she really likes you.

On the other side of the door, Hermione, breathing heavily, leaned against the door.

Her slender fingertips gently touched her lips, and her rosy cheeks instantly became even hotter.